Sophie Weinberg ’23
Meet the Majors
Other clubs, sports and activities you’d like to mention:
President of Duckett House
Describe one moment when you got (or received) unexpected help from a fellow Smithie.
In the spring of 2021, I was taking this awesome class about environmental poetry. It was during the first semester students were allowed back to campus, but all our classes were still exclusively on Zoom. For my final project, I decided to make my own recycled paper and create a book of poetry concerning climate change. The only problem? I didn’t have a blender to actually make the paper! Luckily, another Smithie in the class did, and she graciously lent me her NutriBullet for the duration of finals.
Where is your favorite spot or the best “hidden gem” on campus?
There are so many! My house common room, definitely, has been a constant site of comfort, laughter, and love. The Special Collections reading room has one of the best views on campus and wonderful natural lighting— students should visit there more often! The trail through the woods around Paradise Pond is a great place for meditative walks. And the benches inside Lyman Conservatory are a great place to study or relax!
If you’ve ever looked at a book and wondered, “What is this? How did this object get in my hands?” then you should definitely give this field a try.
What do you think has been the most “Smithie” thing you’ve done in life so far?
Probably when I impulsively cut off a foot of my hair on a Wednesday afternoon at a student demonstration supporting the women of Iran.
If another student was considering your major, what would you tell them?
Book Studies is such a fascinating concentration! It can go in so many different directions depending on what you're interested in: publishing, librarianship, book arts (bookbinding! typography! papermaking!), the history of the book (also, what the heck even is “the book” / “a book” anyway?!), and so much more. There are so many opportunities to shape the concentration to your interests, and the professors are all wonderful! I’d say that if you’ve ever looked at a book and wondered, even a little bit, “What is this? How did this object get in my hands?” then you should definitely give this field a try.
